Bikepacking for beginners
Bike, bags, route: how to start your first adventure on two wheels
Bikepacking for beginners
Bike, bags, route: how to start your first adventure on two wheels
Morning light on the tent, the chain clicks softly as you roll away, and the first sip of coffee tastes like freedom. Bikepacking brings together cycling, camping and micro-adventures, and getting started is far easier than most people think. No sponsorship needed, no pro-level kit, no three weeks of holiday. A free weekend is enough.
What bikepacking really isContents
Think of it as the rucksack version of a cycling tour. Instead of heavy panniers on a luggage rack, compact bags attach directly to the frame, saddle and handlebars. The bike stays light, agile and capable off-road, perfect for gravel tracks, forest trails and quiet roads away from traffic. The difference from traditional cycle touring: less comfort, but far more freedom and flexibility.
Which bike is suitable for bikepacking?Contents
Here is the good news: almost any well-maintained bike will work. A gravel bike, mountain bike, hybrid or road bike with slightly wider tyres all do the job. Its condition matters more than its price. Gears and brakes need to work properly, and the tyres should be puncture-resistant. If you are unsure, have a professional check it over at a bike shop first.
The three bags that change everythingContents
Saddle bag
Rear
Frame bag
Centre
Handlebar bag
Front
Many beginners put together their first setup using dry bags and straps they already have. It works surprisingly well and costs next to nothing. Dedicated bikepacking bags are worth it once you know the hobby is here to stay. A complete bag set costs between €150 and €350.
What you really need to take – and what you do notContents
The golden rule is: as little as possible, as much as necessary. Experienced bikepackers manage with 6 to 9 kilograms of luggage, excluding water and food. That may not sound like much, but it is enough for all the essentials. The key is leaving things out consistently and choosing kit that serves more than one purpose.
| Category | What to pack | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bike & tools | Multitool, mini pump, 2 spare inner tubes, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, chain oil, cable ties | 500–800 g |
| Sleeping | Lightweight tent or bivvy bag, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, head torch | 1,500–2,500 g |
| Clothing | Cycling jersey, cycling shorts, rain jacket, insulating layer, Buff, gloves, dry socks | 800–1,200 g |
| Food | Water bottles, bars, nuts, optional: stove + pot + spork | 300–600 g |
| Personal items | ID, cash, first-aid kit, sun cream, mini toiletry kit | 200–400 g |
Route planning: start small, dream bigContents
- 1
Choose your route
Choose a route close to home: 70 to 90 kilometres, gently rolling, with a campsite or trekking pitch halfway along. Take a different route back the next day to keep things interesting.
- 2
Plan stages realistically
With luggage and climbs, 60 to 80 kilometres a day is ideal to start with. In most cases, that is less than a typical Sunday ride – and that is perfectly fine.
- 3
Plan your supplies
Don’t just mark elevation gain and viewpoints: where can you find water? Where is there a supermarket or bakery? Where is there emergency shelter in bad weather? Plan these stops in deliberately.
- 4
Prepare your navigation
Use apps such as Komoot or Outdooractive with offline maps and download GPX tracks in advance. In remote areas, take a printed map too – batteries always die at the worst possible moment.
Pack like a proContents
How you pack determines whether your bike still handles properly. Heavy items belong centrally and low down – in the frame bag, close to the bottom bracket. Frequently needed items such as a rain jacket, snacks or your phone go in the top tube or handlebar bag, where they are within reach without having to stop.
Food and energy on the roadContents
Bikepacking burns plenty of calories, and it is hard to recover from an energy dip on the trail. Rule of thumb: have a bar, a handful of nuts or a filled sandwich every 60 to 90 minutes. Refill your water regularly and allow plenty in hot regions. In the evening, either make a simple one-pot meal on the stove or stop at the next village – it is a question of style and weight allowance.
Strengths
- Pure freedom: stop wherever you like – no hotel booked, no time pressure
- Low cost to get started: your existing bike plus a few bags is enough
- An intense experience of nature away from the main roads
- A full-body workout with a view instead of treadmill boredom
Weaknesses
- Less comfort: no bed, limited changes of clothes, sometimes cold and wet
- Potential for breakdowns: a puncture in the woods is more frustrating than one in town
- Takes getting used to: the first kilometres on a loaded bike can feel wobbly
Safety and the right mindsetContents
Helmet, good lights and reflectors are essentials, not optional extras. A small first-aid kit belongs in every frame bag: plasters, blister plasters and painkillers. Never leave your bike completely unsecured overnight; a lightweight lock is enough for short stops.
Bikepacking is right for you if ...
Ideal for
You enjoy being outdoors, want adventure and do not mind less luxury. If you would rather sit by a campfire in the evening than in a hotel restaurant, this is exactly right for you.
Not ideal for
If you do not want to go without a made bed, dry clothes and a daily shower, a classic cycling holiday or hut-to-hut tour is a better choice – and that is perfectly fine.
Conclusion: just get goingContents
Bikepacking needs less preparation than most people think. A road-ready bike, three bags and a weekend route on your doorstep are all you need to get started. Pack what you have, pick a nearby destination and just get going. The best kit is useless if it only sits in the cellar.
Ready for your first bikepacking adventure?
From bike bags and lightweight tents to rain jackets, SportFits has the kit you need to start bikepacking.
